ICT Strategy Consultancy Service

Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School use the Link2ICT ICT Strategy Consultancy Service for overall school improvement.

“We would definitely recommend Link2ICT’s ICT Strategy consultancy service. Having Bren’s support, advice and guidance has made a real difference to the school, not just with our approach to technology, but across the curriculum, ensuring safeguarding of the school community is a major priority.”

Mary Johnson, Headteacher.

The challenge

After their last Ofsted inspection, Mary Johnson came out of retirement to take up the position of Head teacher to address issues raised in the report. Mary saw Bren Taylor, Link2ICT Senior Education Adviser, speak at the Birmingham Catholic Primary Partnership (BCPP) in the summer term 2014 and was impressed by Bren’s approach which centred around empowering the whole school community. Mary realised that Bren was the ideal person to support the school in developing a strategy.

Consultation

Bren went to the school for an initial meeting to find out more about what they wanted to achieve. He was able to gain a better understanding of the school’s circumstances and unique factors from Mary, Deputy Head teacher Viv McDonald and their ICT co-ordinator, John O’Shea. He was then able to offer a structured approach to see what could be achieved, along with evaluating priorities for the school and gaining an understanding of their long term goals. Mary felt that Bren clearly demonstrated his expertise and experience, and so he was booked for a series of half-day consultancy visits.

Solution

Mary and her team were taken step-by-step through the whole school approach. Bren talked them through alternative funding options (eg BeLF), curriculum provision, school planning, what the school wanted to achieve with ICT, eSafety and safeguarding, along with building staff confidence about integrating technology across the school. He also acted as critical friend offering trusted feedback, advice and guidance, as well as asking pertinent questions for the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to consider.

Mary felt that Bren was always on hand to sound out any uncertainties she or her staff had and he responded as a supportive, constructive and caring colleague.

“Bren never pushed us in any direction, he would listen carefully and intervening when necessary to question what was most effective. Having someone there to objectively guide and advise has made such a difference. He has inspired and given us the confidence to believe in what we are doing, and how that can be achieved. I feel that other schools would definitely benefit from Bren’s support.”

With safeguarding being paramount for all schools, Bren recommended the services of fellow Link2ICT consultant Andy Pyper, who looked specifically at eSafety issues to ensure the whole school was aware of their responsibilities.

Both Link2ICT consultants suggested the school hold Inspire workshops to get parents involved and engaged in the safeguarding culture the school was developing. The school has now set up a Safety Monitoring Group who meet once a term and eSafety lessons take place in classes on a regular basis.

John O’Shea, the ICT co-ordinator has spent time with Bren working on the school’s ICT strategy and he now feels much more confident in his role.

“With Bren’s support we feel we have hit the ground running, despite our limited budget, we feel we have achieved so much and have a clearer view of the way ahead. Bren had an appreciation of the bigger picture, and the ability to objectively prioritise what will be of most benefit, so the school is making great progress and will continue to do so”.

Benefits to the school

Whole school approach

Support, advice and guidance tailored to school need

Develop strategy to address short, medium and long term goals

Empower staff and instill confidence to make a difference

Critical friend - providing objective and effective support

Alternative funding options

Ensuring eSafety and safeguarding requirements

Seamless, whole organisation support from Link2ICT

Bespoke consultancy service tailored to school requirements

Experience, knowledge and expertise for meeting Ofsted requirements

Work together to develop strategy for addressing the new computing curriculum

Dedicated support for senior staff and ICT Leader

Positive impact on the school

Success

The consultancy has been ongoing since October 2014, with Bren going out to the school on a half-termly basis. Mary knows the school has had value for money because of his dedication and willingness to be supportive outside of the consultancy sessions.

“Bren has helped to nurture the existing school culture and is helping to realise the quality that is already here. He has clarified and supported the school vision, without imposing any other agenda. From the success we have had with the Link2ICT ICT Strategy consultancy service, we know we can confidently take on board the wealth of ideas, suggestions and advice”.

Conclusion

The Link2ICT ICT Strategy consultancy takes a whole school approach, working with key staff to affect change from the top down. This bespoke service is tailored to meet your school’s unique needs and ensures positive outcomes.